1. Introduction to Pisciculture
Pisciculture is the controlled cultivation of fish in ponds, tanks, or enclosures. India is the second-largest fish producer in the world, with inland fisheries contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and food security.
- Inland fisheries contribute over 60% of total fish production.
- Fish farming provides high-protein food and significant income for rural communities.
- Government schemes like PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) support fish farmers.
2. Common Cultivated Species
- Indian Major Carps: Rohu, Catla, Mrigal — fast-growing, high-demand species.
- Exotic Carps: Common Carp, Silver Carp, Grass Carp — suitable for composite fish culture.
- Catfish: Pangasius, Magur — hardy species with high market demand.
- Tilapia: Fast-growing, disease-resistant; popular for intensive farming.
- Freshwater Prawns: Macrobrachium rosenbergii — high-value crop.
3. Pond Preparation & Management
- Drain and dry the pond before stocking to eliminate predators and pests.
- Apply lime (250–500 kg/hectare) to neutralize soil acidity and disinfect the pond.
- Fertilize with organic manure (cow dung: 5,000 kg/ha) and inorganic fertilizers to promote plankton growth.
- Maintain water depth of 1.5–2 metres for optimal fish growth.
- Monitor water quality parameters: pH (7–8.5), dissolved oxygen (>5 mg/L), temperature (25–32°C).
4. Stocking & Feeding
- Composite fish culture: stock 5,000–10,000 fingerlings/hectare with a mix of surface, mid-water, and bottom feeders.
- Supplement natural food with artificial feed (rice bran + groundnut oil cake in 1:1 ratio).
- Feed twice daily at 2–3% of body weight.
- Aeration systems improve dissolved oxygen and support higher stocking densities.
5. Disease Management
- Common diseases: Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS), Bacterial Gill Disease, Dropsy.
- Maintain good water quality to prevent most disease outbreaks.
- Use potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) baths for external parasite treatment.
- Quarantine new fish before introducing to existing ponds.
6. Harvesting & Marketing
- Harvest after 8–12 months when fish reach marketable size (500 g – 1 kg).
- Use drag nets for partial harvesting; complete harvest by draining the pond.
- Sell fresh fish at local markets, or supply to processing units for value addition.
- Expected yield: 3,000–5,000 kg/hectare/year under semi-intensive culture.